Conditions for Passage Through Hormuz Strait

The Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced on Friday via a post on the social media platform X that the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened for commercial shipping. He stated that vessels transiting the strait must strictly adhere to previously announced designated safe routes established by Iran.

The Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital maritime corridor through which approximately one-fifth of global crude oil shipments pass, had been closed following military strikes attributed to the United States and Israel on 28 February. The closure significantly affected international shipping through the region.

A temporary ceasefire between Iran and the United States is currently in effect and is expected to remain valid until 22 April. Despite this, the United States, under President Donald Trump, has stated that a naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports will remain in place until a broader peace agreement is reached. In response to the reopening announcement, Trump described the development as “a great and wonderful day for the world”.

Shipping monitoring organisations have reported that, although the strait has officially been reopened, only a limited number of vessels have resumed transit. They further note that maritime operators are still assessing whether conditions are safe for regular navigation.

Parallel to developments in the Strait of Hormuz, a ceasefire has also taken effect between Israel and Lebanon following earlier hostilities. The timing of the announcement regarding the strait coincided with the first full day of that ceasefire.

In his post on X, Abbas Araghchi stated that all commercial vessels must follow coordinated maritime routes previously defined by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation. He also emphasised that navigation would occur in accordance with arrangements aligned with the ceasefire period.

Subsequently, Iranian state media quoted a senior military official, widely understood to be associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, confirming that vessels must use the designated route system. It was further stated that passage of military warships through the Strait of Hormuz remains entirely prohibited. The route system is believed to correspond to a map and two maritime corridors previously circulated in Iranian media.

Iranian news agency Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, criticised Araghchi’s statement, describing it as incomplete. The agency indicated that if the United States continues its blockade, the reopening decision would be considered invalid. Other media outlets called for further clarification from the Iranian government.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also rejected claims attributed to President Trump, stating that if sanctions and blockades persist, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open under unrestricted conditions. He added that maritime transit would depend on Iranian approval and compliance with designated routes.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baqai further clarified that vessels must follow the predetermined navigation routes set by Iran. He added that retaliatory measures would be taken if restrictions on Iranian ports continue, while reaffirming that Iran considers itself the guardian of the Strait of Hormuz, though it may show flexibility when necessary.

Navigation Conditions Announced for Commercial Shipping